November 1, 2026 -- Proverbs 16:3 -- Work committed to the LORD

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Commit your work to the LORD,
and your plans will be established.
Proverbs 16:3 ESV
 
What a strange word commit is. In the original language it means roll away as in rolling away the stone that covers a well. Here is an example of the same word used in a different way “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling” Proverbs 26:27 ESV. Hmm. That helps us here. Think of it, the hardest part is starting a project. When you are formulating what to do next and sorting out the steps to take, that is the time to go to the LORD your God and seek His help and guidance. Once your plans start rolling, you’ll be following the momentum of your plans and in many cases dealing with the intended and also the many unintended consequences.
 
Some people might think of their lives as running away from them. Things like their schedules, their meetings, the things that intrude on their times, the commitments to family and church, financial matters, and exercise are all like tires that have come off the car of their lives and are bouncing all over the place on the highway of life. To commit your work to the LORD is to entrust your plans to Him, from start to finish. To commit your work to the LORD is to learn how to say “yes” to what the Spirit directs you to do, and to say “no” to all other things.
 
A friend and I have an expression we use a lot. It is “stay in your lane”. There are many good things you can do with your time, but what is the main thing you are called to do? What is it that the Spirit of the LORD has appointed you to do? As a follower of Jesus, we read many times that Jesus left places, though He had very fruitful ministry before Him, to go where the Spirit of God was sending Him. For example, we read in Luke 4:42ff that crowds were looking for Jesus. He had gone to a quiet place to pray. When confronted Jesus said He had to leave and preach the Kingdom of God to other towns as well. It must have been tempting for Him to stay. I mean, the message was getting a good reception in that place. But He submitted Himself to the LORD, His Father. Stay in your lane. What is it the Spirit of God has appointed you to do? Do it. And regularly submit yourself, your plans and your future to God.
 
Father in heaven, You are good and the source of all good. It is tempting for us to go our own way and do what seems right in our own eyes. By Your Holy Spirit help us to submit ourselves fully to You, heavenly Father, so that in all our ways we will be servants of Jesus, denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and following Him. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/z-yJ3xMVUDI?si=pT4kstVBadRGi4TM
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 31, 2026 -- Day Thirty-one of Joy: Psalm 63:5-8

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

5 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food,
    and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips,
6 when I remember you upon my bed,
    and meditate on you in the watches of the night;
7 for you have been my help,
    and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
8 My soul clings to you;
    your right hand upholds me.
Psalm 63:5-8 ESV
 
Joy is a particularly poignant and necessary gift when one feels spiritually alone. That is how David, the author of this psalm, begins it. Many of us can relate. When we feel as if we are in a wilderness with no safe refuge, there is a desperate urgency, a thirstiness for God which, if it is not appropriately satisfied, will lead a man to indulge in all kinds of sin.
 
Once David had expressed his soul’s thirstiness for God, instead of looking around him for something to pleasure him, he looked to the sanctuary, he considered the glory and power of God. That is what led him to joy. His circumstances hadn’t changed, but his heart’s posture had. He placed himself wholly into the care of the God Whose steadfast love never leaves him.
 
When you feel exposed and helpless, look Who God is, His wings overshadow the praying man. The right hand of God, the hand of His power, upholds a man. To be upheld by God means that God defends you from your enemies. To be upheld by God means you are lifted from your circumstances and led in His way everlasting. No wonder David, despite his circumstances, sings for joy! God’s got him.
 
O LORD my God, You are the source of joy.
Savior of the world, You are the foundation of joy.
Holy Spirit by Your powerful presence in my life, You grant me the spiritual gift of joy and create in me a holy expectation of eternal joy in the presence of God.
Teach me to cling to You, Triune God, in hard times and in good, in riches and in poverty, in loneliness and community, so that my highest pleasure will always, ever, be in You. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/4SvctBsjC08?si=iN8fOIfms4FjDHSW
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 30, 2026 -- Day Thirty of Joy: Philippians 4:1

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. Philippians 4:1 ESV
 
In order to understand this reference better, I looked up a brief commentary by Sinclair Ferguson. This is what he wrote:
The Philippians were his brothers; he loved them and longed for them.
Unlike the shameful things to which the false teachers devoted themselves,
this relationship would last. More than that, it too would be transformed
into something glorious—into Paul’s joy and crown. Heaven, and the
Philippians too, would be his.
Ferguson. “Let’s Study Philippians”, page 96
Just prior to chapter 4, Paul spoke of the things false teachers do: they are enemies of the cross of Christ; their minds are set on earthly things; their god is their belly, they glory in their shame” (3:18-19). Such actions lead to devastation, ruin, and death. While in the moment, false teachers and enemies of God taunt Christians about the “freedom” they enjoy; they are in fact killing themselves and leading others to death.
 
Ah, but those who are in Christ, have a joy that is not merely an emotion. It is joy that sustains them while fending off the pressures of the world and the temptations of the devil. It is joy that is so anchored in Jesus, that such as are in Christ alter all their living in view of His return. What we see now will one day be transformed when the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ is revealed. Joy is a spiritual gift. Joy has its foundation in Jesus Christ. Joy fills the Christian who anticipates Jesus’ return.
 
When you, fellow Christian, help others to serve Jesus, to know Him and in loving obedience follow Him, you experience joy. Your joy in Jesus is multiplied in the experience of those you mentor and reflects back to you and you and those among whom you share the love of Jesus have greater joy in Jesus.
 
Oh Jesus, You are the joy of loving hearts. Father in heaven, You have gifted Your people with heaven’s joy, Jesus. Spirit of the Living God, remove from us any lingering sin, any worldliness or obstinate selfishness which would crush true joy. Spirit of the Living God, increase our capacity for the joy of the Lord and renew in us a holy zeal to share the beauty of Jesus with all those we meet. Grant us, Spirit of God, the treasure of people You bring to us, people whom we can mentor in our precious faith, so that this holy joy is shared and multiplied. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/A59pfx4sb2Q?si=Lzis7g-RG1FLnuZr
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 29, 2026 -- Day Twenty-nine of Joy: Philippians 2:25-30

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

25 I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.
Philippians 2:25-30 ESV
 
A man, Epaphroditus, nearly died in his service to Jesus as he ministered to Paul’s needs and served the Philippians church. How does this result in joy? Great question and an important question.

• First, when a brother or a sister serves Jesus, such a one denies himself. He must serve in good times and in hard times, in sickness and in health, in riches and in poverty. His life is not his own, it is a tribute of thanksgiving to Jesus.

• Second, his example of devotion is an inspiration, so that lazy Christians are stirred up to new acts of obedience.

• Third, when one serves, it is an honour to be counted worthy to suffer for the Name of Jesus.

• Fourth, such dedication to Jesus and loyal service to Paul and the Philippians shows the depths of community and love that can exist between believers when they give themselves completely to Jesus.

• Finally, when we serve Jesus, we do not know if our lives will be poured out unto death (which is what Paul alluded to in Philippians 2:17). When a man, like Epaphroditus is spared, it is a blessing to celebrate his work for Jesus and to receive him with joy and to honour him. Ultimately any suffering we endure for Jesus verifies to our own souls the truth of Jesus’ goodness. Such suffering purifies the believer from worldliness. Suffering is a sign as well that Jesus’ return is nearer than ever. No wonder such suffering leads others to a place of deep emotional and spiritual joy.

Lord Jesus Christ, we bless You for all You have endured, with joy, in order to bring us as trophies of grace to our Father in heaven. Spirit of the Living God, thank You for the men and women who willingly, and trustingly serve Jesus, enduing hardships and persecutions in sacrificial service to Jesus. Mighty God, teach us to pray more. To pray for those who suffer for the sake of the Gospel. To pray that we ourselves may be counted worthy to suffer for the sake of the Gospel. To pray that we will serve with joy, and that such joy will be a beacon of light, drawing others close enough so that they too behold the beauty and splendour Jesus, our Lord and King. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/UV8bv4QuDtM?si=vmie022S4Aw2Gp_u
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 28, 2026 -- Day Twenty-eight of Joy: Philippians 2:8-11

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:8-11 ESV
 
This is the only reflection on joy that doesn’t include either the word joy, or the word rejoicing. How does this passage inform our joy? Oh, in so many ways.
~Jesus identifies with our human weakness, our God knows us and loves us.
~Jesus is obedient and His perfect obedience is imputed to all who believe.
~Jesus died in our place.
~Jesus is exalted; the Father in heaven has given the most glorious “yes” and “amen” to the work
  of His Son. Those who are in Christ, rejoice in Jesus’ exaltation.
~Jesus’ exaltation exposes our pride. If we consider this passage sort of ordinary, something a
  believer deserves then our gross self-importance is blocking our view of the radiance of Who
  Jesus really is. There is now time to repent of such gross pride.
~Jesus’ exaltation is intimately linked to the believer’s joy. We are amazed at the depths of His
  love. We are dumbfounded at the cost of our salvation. We are looking forward to bending our
  knees before Him in gratitude and love and wonder.
 
Father in heaven, by Your Holy Spirit, give us the eyes of faith, and such humbleness of heart, that we will truly live in joy-filled anticipation of this glorious day when every eye will behold Jesus. Every knee will bow before Him. Every tongue confess Jesus Christ is Lord, and this to Your glory, O God our Father. Amen
 
https://youtu.be/60k_gMGRnRk?si=fIaqJo56Mn31WvID
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 27, 2026 -- Day Twenty-seven of joy: Philippians 2:1-2

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Philippians 2:1-2 ESV
 
Paul is asking the Philippians to complete his joy. What a strange request. Background first. These Christians are suffering from all kinds of challenges. Paul, a man they love and respect is in prison. Some think he’s suffering for Jesus, others believe he is getting what he deserves. There are people preaching Christ out of envy or rivalry. They are contrarians to the message of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. This congregation has factions. There are all kinds of worries and fears. What will bring all of them together? Knowing this is the key to understanding Paul’s joy: it is unity in Jesus Christ.
 

• When believers who’d been divided realize their unity in Christ, all Christians experience joy.

• When believers who’d loved one faction or another, suddenly focus on loving Christ, then all Christians experience joy.

• When believers who’d loved some but withheld love from others, suddenly, in the power of Christ’s extravagant salvation begin to love Jesus and then in Him love one another, there is joy.

• When believers experience the work of the Holy Spirit, Who brings the message of Christ, the knowledge of Christ and the clarity of Christ and enables ordinary people to serve Christ, there all the Christians are empowered experience joy.

 
Joy is the gift of God. And, joy must be something believers discover and rediscover repeatedly as they intentionally remove all the hindrances keeping them from fully, vulnerably, submitted, obediently, walking with Christ. Joy comes to a community through humbling oneself at the feet of Jesus and then filled with love for Jesus, learning to love His people.
 
Great are You, O LORD, my God! You delight in the welfare of Your servant.
Spirit of the Living God, point out the areas in my life where my view of Jesus is blocked by my own sins and iniquities. Let that clothing of shame be exchanged for the full righteousness of Jesus, my Redeemer. Then let my tongue tell of Your righteousness, O triune God, and of Your praise all the day long. Amen.
(Loosely based on Psalm 35:26-28)
 
https://youtu.be/igV63aKSqb8?si=EVfb4uPxV0uYHI4Y
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 26, 2026 -- Day Twenty-six of Joy: Philippians 1:23-26

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.
Philippians 1:23-26 ESV
 
Paul’s letter to the Philippians is often referred to as his letter of joy. The words joy and rejoicing are regularly used through-out the whole letter. I am concluding this month of reflecting on joy with some meditations drawn from Philippians. When you read of the various hardships Paul has endured, it is no wonder he desires to be with Jesus. Death is not a fearsome thing, though it is the final punishment for sin, the way through it has been opened for us in Christ. He has walked through the valley of death and conquered the grave. While Paul contemplates his death, he is also aware that there are still many little Christian gatherings scattered around the Mediterranean coastlands, who rely on his instruction and prayers. It is the reason he is open to living and ministering a while longer in holy service to God.
 
The blessing of mentoring believers, praying for them, and seeing how they grow up, rooted and established in Christ Jesus brings him joy. When a young believer, who keeps on struggling to bring Christian faith into practice, finally gets it and there is evidence of consistency in the Gospel, there is joy. Progress in the faith, shared and celebrated between a mentor and his mentees is always a reason for joy.
 
Ah, dear fellow believers, perhaps joy is a concept that is not as common among us as it could be, because we as long-time Christians live with the false idea we’ve arrived. Our faith is fine and we don’t need to be stretched or challenged anymore. It is now basically just maintaining what we have. Nothing could be further from the truth. While we are in Christ, we have a lifetime to grow, to mature, to build others up and both sharpen and be sharpened by others. If your faith is a bit ho-hum, even boring, I boldly put to you your faith is stagnant. Spend time with new believers. Decide to bless others and help those who are struggling. Use the spiritual gifts you have and you will see the progress of others (and likely your own as well) and this will result in joy!
 
Father in heaven You are my joy! Lord Jesus Christ, You are the foundation of that joy! Holy Spirit in You I am guarded in the fullness of joy and anticipate everlasting joy. Lead me, Triune God, to seek out someone to mentor so that instructing others in Your way, I will serve expecting to see progress and joy in their faith, which renews the progress and joy in my own faith. Glorious Lord, in my life, in my home, in Your church and beyond, be honoured and adored, now and forevermore. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/2zr9SMm1glI?si=TIrvRkiMcFNGa7DI
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 25, 2026 -- Day Twenty-five of Joy: Philippians 1:3-5

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. Philippians 1:3-5 ESV
 
This week I am traveling for my work with Redemption Prison Ministry. I am in Ontario and there are three fund-raising dinners out here. The first was in Strathroy, the second was in Jordan, and then the last in this series is in St. George. Why mention it? So many people gathered to celebrate what God is doing through the volunteers at the Thrift Store, volunteer instructors, prayer warriors, donors, board, staff, and managers. It is a joy to work in partnership.
 
Our ability to partner together starts with God. Read this, “For we are God’s fellow workers.” In this sense, it is God Who chose us. It is Jesus Who redeemed us from our slavery to the works of darkness, and the Holy Spirit Who keeps us in unity. What tremendous joy it brings us when we gather on Sundays, or at events like the dinners, to celebrate the purposeful, kingdom work God has given us to do.
 
If we labour by ourselves, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that God has placed many other men and women in key locations, circumstances and gifted them. If we are alone, we get lonely, burned out. Tired. But when we see how God has caused us to work together as we’re united to Jesus, then we are not competitive, but joy-filled co-labourers, thankful for each one’s talents and willing service. As we gather, we boast in Jesus, Who has given us the privilege of partnering for Gospel work. Then we can go into our field of service, gladly serving, knowing we are not alone, but partners with many others, bringing glory to our God.
 
Our Father in heaven, thank You for the many brothers and sisters we have in Christ. Thank You for the Holy Spirit, Who binds us together in Christ. As we gather for worship today, may we see the various people around us, getting a glimpse of the glorious army of people raised and equipped by the Spirit to serve in partnership in the gospel. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/2ar76T6OGoU?si=u0qzhReSBlpBTF4j
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 24, 2026 -- Day Twenty-four of Joy: Philippians 4:10-12

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. Philippians 4:10-12 ESV
 
A friend posed a question. “What is the difference between joy and contentment?” It is a very good question. We have considered Galatians 5:22-23 several times already in this series. It is the passage that describes the fruit of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit gifts the believer with something he, or she, can not generate in himself. It is of supernatural origin. The word happiness, or its cognates, are used about thirty times in the Bible. The word “joy” about three hundred times. It is an important spiritual concept.
 
Contentment. To get a sense of it, look at the text again. Paul is writing that no matter what his circumstances are “he has learned to be content”. That is the key to understanding the difference between joy, which is a spiritual gift, and contentment which is a spiritual discipline. Believers exercise their faith in the power of the Holy Spirit so they will not get grumpy when the winds of life blow against them. Instead, they lean into the Spirit of God.
 
Christians can throw around language that sounds good but aren’t necessarily good at defining what they mean. For example, it sounds great to say, “lean into the Spirit of God”; but what do I mean by it?! When the troubles of our lives rear up the question is: “will you grumble, or will you ask the Spirit to give you a greater measure of joy?” When you face hardship, will you mine the word of God for instruction and help which will assist you in being content, no matter whatever the circumstances of your life happen to be? That is how contentment gets exercised and stretched.
 
Perhaps you’ve noticed this, complaining is contagious. It is easy to pull others down. You and I know the old saw, misery loves company. I’ve noticed if misery doesn’t have company, through a volley of wailing and groaning, misery will bring others down to its level. But those who are content in Christ, aware of the wrap around protection of our God and Father, will find that they can’t sink to misery. They are, body and soul, bound up with Christ and therefore, their minds and their attitudes are fixed at the place where He is seated, in heaven.
 
Father in heaven thank You for the joy of the LORD which is ours in Christ. Thank You, Father, for the Holy Spirit, through Whom joy is given to us and by Whom we exercise the discipline of contentment until both mature in us. Triune God, let the world see and know Jesus our joy. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/ILpLIcuWwPA?si=PJPStuSx__AQbL-t

 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 23, 2026 -- Day Twenty-three of Joy: John 17:13-16

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. John 17:13-16 ESV
 
Just before Jesus’ arrest, He prayed. His disciples heard His prayer. John the disciple, inspired by the Holy Spirit, recorded it for us. It is the longest of Jesus’ recorded prayers. It is one of the most eloquent depictions of the believer’s anticipation of future joy. Briefly, let’s recap this journey of joy. We have joy now; the source of this joy is our Father. We have a foundation for joy which is the accomplished work of Jesus Christ. Today we focus on our future joy. We have a glorious anticipation for greater joy. It stays with us now, no matter what the world throws at us. It is a joy that is preserved and strengthened the more we contemplate the world to come.
 
Jesus prayed that His disciples then, and His followers today, would have His joy. What is the Jesus joy? The very joy He prays for, longing for His followers to share it? Jesus’ chief joy is His relationship with the Father in heaven; added to this is His joy as He is in fellowship with the Holy Spirit. Jesus prayed that His followers would be welcomed into such divine community. It is the fulfilment of God’s holy purpose to walk with His people. Remember the description of the Garden of Eden, before Adam and Eve’s fall. God walked with Adam and Eve in Garden in the cool of the evening.
 
The joy Jesus would share with His followers is that all who know and love Jesus will experience intimate communion with the Father and the Son. That is, believers would know God as the Father Who extravagantly loved and loves His people with love so powerful that the evil one never could stop it from reaching us. The Holy Spirit will increase the believer’s capacity for joy in and throughout all eternity.
 
Jesus’ joy is so strong that the real and dark troubles of this world could not knock the joy out of Him. Consider the fact that Jesus was about to be betrayed by the kiss of a former friend-disciple. A disciple who’d witnessed Jesus’ miracles. Heard Jesus’ teaching. Experienced Jesus’ compassion. Even so, he’d given himself over to evil and betrayed Jesus. How profoundly painful. Jesus would be mocked. Whipped. Spat upon. Humiliated. Crucified. He has joy that would abide in Him despite all of that because He is, was, and ever will be united with His Father in heaven. That is the joy Jesus prayed you and I would have. Know. Delight in. Savour.
 
Jesus prayed that His joy would be fulfilled in every believer. He prayed “my joy fulfilled in themselves”. It is an alien joy that will replace the total depravity now infecting and infesting every believer. There will be a joy to come that is wholly untainted and unstained by our original sin nature. We will be set free. We will experience joy that is now beyond our ability to describe it. In fact, that joy is beyond our current capacity or ability to understand. We are so bound up in our sins, so aware of our constant need for confession; however that joy to come includes the wondrous promise that we will never need to confess sin, ever again. We will be incapable of sinning. There will be no unholy impulses. We will be blameless. Pure. Our affections and desires will be focused wholly on God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit! What a holy and glorious concept that is. The anticipation of it fills us with joy.
 
Ah, Holy Father, let Your kingdom come, let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Answer the wondrous prayer of our Lord and Savior Jesus, that His joy be fulfilled in us.
Spirit of God, prepare us, even now, for the weight of anticipated joy. Stir in us both the gift of joy and the spiritual discipline to be Christians who rejoice in our Lord. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/-jkMnq2Hfzo?si=5bDZWL2rgC65BO3Q
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 22, 2026 -- Day Twenty-two of Joy: I Kings 1:39-40

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

39 There Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tent and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the trumpet, and all the people said, “Long live King Solomon!” 40 And all the people went up after him, playing on pipes, and rejoicing with great joy, so that the earth was split by their noise. I Kings 1:39-40 ESV
 
King David was old. His son Solomon was supposed to take the throne after his father’s death. However, before David had died, one of his other sons, Adonijah tried to usurp the throne. He had himself proclaimed as king. There was a lot of chaos and confusion. However, David confirmed his son Solomon as king. When Zadok the priest anointed Solomon the people rejoiced with great joy.
 
Beloved in the Lord Jesus Christ, our rulers can’t save us. Only Jesus does that. However, a godly ruler, who loves the LORD, is a godsend. Deuteronomy 17 teaches five requirements of an Israelite king. I just want to focus on two. First, an Israelite king must write out the Law (Deuteronomy 17:18). He must have a priest approve his copy of it. He must study it. An Israelite king must be steeped in the knowledge of the laws of God so that he would be a just ruler. Also, knowing the laws of God would lead him to love the one Who gave the law. Second, an Israelite king must be humble (Deuteronomy 17:20). Such a ruler honours God and protects the people of God.
 
When a leader follows the directions of God it is no wonder that the people of God rejoice with great joy. It is rare for a leader to be committed to the Word of God and to carry out justice. It is a great reminder for us to pray for our leaders—no matter whom or what they serve—they urgently need our prayers. Also, it is a reminder for believers to pray that God has appointed leaders so that people can live in a well-ordered society. Finally, believers rejoice because the last King in the line of David is King Jesus. He rules with justice. He rules with love. He rules protecting the people of God. His rule will never end!
 
Father in heaven thank You for Christ our King. Thank You that He rules with power and justice. Thank You, Jesus, for Your protection of Your people. Spirit of the Living God, give us the faith to look forward to the day of Jesus’ return when all wrongs will be addressed, all injustices righted, and the reign of Jesus Christ will lead every knee to bow and every tongue to confess Jesus Christ is Lord, and this, to the glory of the Father. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/Ty8tw7ydxB4?si=N7BpSq5ksC7kgzQ6

 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 21, 2026 -- Day Twenty-One of Joy: Galatians 5:22-23 & Isaiah 40:25-26

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
 
25 To whom then will you compare me,
    that I should be like him? says the Holy One.
26 Lift up your eyes on high and see:
    who created these?
He who brings out their host by number,
    calling them all by name;
by the greatness of his might
    and because he is strong in power,
    not one is missing. Isaiah 40:25-26 ESV
 
What is the foundation of the believer’s joy?
 
Joy is not something that a person can manufacture or sustain from within himself. Joy is evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in the life of the believer.
 
Joy results from the believer’s focus on the one, true God. Insecurity compares God. Insincere faith borrows from this and that spiritual practice. Joy anchors the believer’s faith in the LORD our God. He is incomparably great.
 
Joy rests on the foundation that the same Holy One Who created the stars (the current estimate is that there are 1 septillion stars in the universe—that is a 124 –which is a one followed by 24 zeroes) and He knows them all by name.
 
Joy rests on the foundation that our Father doesn’t let one single star go missing. The Bible teaches us how much more care He takes for the good of each one of His people!
 
Joy rests on the foundation that the Father in heaven sent His Son to rescue lost sinners. Though stars are glorious and incomprehensibly radiantly hot and beautiful works of creation; each person made in God’s image is far more precious to our Father than the stars.
 
 
God our Father, blessed be Your Name, now and forevermore! You are the foundation of joy for all who believe in You. In Christ we can rejoice knowing our salvation is “Yes” and “Amen”. By the power of the Spirit we are assured of all of this. Oh, LORD our Lord, You are incomparably great. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/ZZqV6i98SkA?si=-q3BaxjIP0Op3AjC
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 20, 2026 -- Day Twenty of Joy: Isaiah 12:1-3

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

You will say in that day:
“I will give thanks to you, O LORD,
    for though you were angry with me,
your anger turned away,
    that you might comfort me.
2 “Behold, God is my salvation;
    I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the LORD God is my strength and my song,
    and he has become my salvation.”
3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
Isaiah 12:1-3 ESV
 
Yes, the same series of verses as yesterday, but they are so rich and give such an excellent foundation for our joy that I couldn’t help but spend another day thinking about them with you. Notice that God is our strength and our joy. He is our strength in times when the Devil would accuse us of our past sins. He is our strength when the world would apply its pressures to follow their lead rather than following Jesus Christ. He is our strength because we know where our sins would lead us. (Same place they always do, to despair and heartbreak and humiliation that we are so dumb to fall for that again. Again. And again.)
 
Joy because the wells of salvation are always full.
Joy because the wells of salvation are always fresh.
Joy because the wells of salvation are always comforting.
Joy because the wells of salvation are always sating us so that compared to
     all that we have in Christ the temptations of the world are tawdry.
Joy because the wells of salvation are not judgmental—but are available to all
     who know their need for cleansing and healing.
Joy because the wells of salvation are provided for us individually (you at
     verse 1 is singular) and for us all together (you at verse 3 is plural).
Joy because the wells of salvation are provided by God the Father to draw from
     until the fullness of our salvation is completed!
 
Triune God—blessed Father, blessed Son, and blessed Holy Spirit—You are the source of joy, the foundation of all true joy, and the expectation of eternal joy! Holy Spirit, lift up my drooping head and raise my downcast eyes so that I will look to Jesus and with joy draw water from the wells of salvation. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/NjOGX5zT8KU?si=ayXGlGl3lYRn10dn
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 19, 2026 -- Day Nineteen of Joy: Isaiah 12:1-3

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

You will say in that day:
“I will give thanks to you, O LORD,
    for though you were angry with me,
your anger turned away,
    that you might comfort me.
2 “Behold, God is my salvation;
    I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the LORD God is my strength and my song,
    and he has become my salvation.”
3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
Isaiah 12:1-3 ESV
 
Isn’t it strange how a non-Christian can’t see any reason why God might be angry with her. She believes she is fine. She takes a bit of spirituality from here, from there, and mixes it all together and figures it is all good. And she couldn’t be more wrong. While I was pastor at a rural church one of the senior ladies, who loved Jesus so much, heard me preach on the vileness of our sins and our need for a Savior. After the sermon she rushed up to me, tears welling up in her eyes, and she said how grieved she was over her sins. She found that the more she loved Jesus, the more her sins seemed to haunt her. What a precious, tender-hearted saint she was. Her insight shared more than twenty years ago still blesses me today!
 
Do you understand that is exactly the sequence of these verses? We know the anger of God against our sin. It is huge. It is real. It is powerful. And it was poured out against His own Son, Jesus. Though God the Father was angry with me, His Son bore the wrath and we stand forgiven at the cross. This is our comfort and life and in death—we are not our own, but we are in Christ. And in Christ it is as if we ourselves were punished. In Christ His righteousness is credited to us. In Christ we have the strength to draw on the Holy Spirit in every moment of need.
 
When we consider how great our need for this salvation is, we realize all over again how great is the salvation of our God that reaches farther, higher, deeper, wider than all our neediness. The waters of our salvation are drawn from the wells of salvation that have a never-ending supply of cleansing power. No wonder Isaiah calls God his strength and his song!
 
Father in heaven You are the strength and the song of Your people. Lord Jesus, how full and ever-flowing are the wells of Your salvation. Spirit of God thank You for guarding this rich salvation in us unto the day when faith becomes sight. Triune God, You are the joy of believers!
 
https://youtu.be/rswH9CSyWHk?si=qc61WzbyEYfKkG0l
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 18, 2026 -- Day Eighteen of Joy: Acts 5:40-42

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

…and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.
Acts 5:40-42
 
Peter and the other apostles have changed so much. When you read of them in the Gospels, they are jockeying for positions of power, wanting to be first. After Jesus’ death, resurrection, ascension and then the pouring out of His Holy Spirit, they are emboldened to suffer for Jesus. Why would they rejoice after they’d been beaten? Here are some observations. By these beatings and their willingness to endure it:
~The Holy Spirit is by these hardships fixing their focus on Jesus
~The Holy Spirit is bringing them to the most influential people of that time and the apostles
  rather than crumbling with fear, are bold to speak the beautiful Name of Jesus
~The Holy Spirit is using their confidence in Jesus, even after enduring beatings, to convert the
  very people who used to oppose them (Acts 6:7)
~The Holy Spirit is confirming to the apostles the power of Jesus is greater than any throne or
   power or ruler so they rejoice in Jesus
~The Holy Spirit has given such glorious purpose to the apostles that no matter the hardship, the
  suffering or the persecution, lifting high the precious Name of Jesus is worth it all
~The Holy Spirit brought fruitfulness upon their labors for Jesus. They preached and taught even
  after that beating (and the many that follow) as you read Acts you realize many people who
  hear the apostles turn to Jesus Who is worthy of it all—all the pain and suffering—for His
  presence is greater blessing than even the lowest and worst suffering
 
I wonder, dear fellow believers, if we are too timid in our faith. (The correct response is, I think, “You bet we are! We are trembling mice!”) That would explain why we do not experience deep and true rejoicing despite suffering. If we are merely dabbling in our faith we will be locked in fear. When we plunge in fully with the confidence God shows up! Ah, that is the place of joy and gladness. What a glorious circumstance it is to be counted worthy to suffer for the Name of Jesus.
 
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name!
Lord Jesus, you declared “blessed are you when others revile you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.” Who is like You, O Savior of the World, rescuing lost sinners, filling them with Your Spirit and rewarding such men and women with the splendor of being with You?! You are the source of our joy, the foundation of joy and the expectation of eternal joy.
Spirit of the Living God, You are worthy of all praise. Thank You for guarding this deposit of joy in us and for us. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/jd_mDsrnmiY?si=LK2_2vQTnb0IG7Iz
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 17, 2026 -- Day Seventeen of Joy: Jude 24-25

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
Jude 24-25 ESV
 
Can you even comprehend that—the Holy Spirit will keep you from stumbling?! The Holy Spirit, having cleansed you in Christ Jesus, will guard you clean and pure for holy service to Jesus until that great day when you meet Him face to face.
 
Think of all the sins you know about. Now, try to imagine all the sins you haven’t thought about. The sins which still cling to you. The uncleanness of heart, of mind, of gossip, oh so much that offends the God Who is Holy, Holy, Holy. And the Spirit will present you blameless in Christ to our Father! Now that is cause for endless rejoicing…and a reason to focus on wholly on submission to and cooperation with Spirit.
 
O Christ!
All thy ways of mercy tend to and end in my delight,
Thou didst weep, sorrow, suffer that I might rejoice.
For my joy Thou hast sent the Comforter,
multiplied thy promises,
shown me my future happiness,
given me a living fountain.
Thou art preparing joy for me and me for joy;
I pray for joy, wait for joy, long for joy;
give me more than I can hold, desire, or think of.
Measure out to me my times and degrees of joy, at my work, business, duties.
If I weep at night, give me joy in the morning.
Let me rest in the thought of thy love,
pardon for sin, my title to heaven,
my future unspotted state.
I am an unworthy recipient of Thy grace.
I often disesteem thy blood and slight thy love,
but can in repentance draw water
from the wells of Thy joyous forgiveness.
Let my heart leap towards the eternal sabbath,
where the work of redemption, sanctification,
preservation, glorification is finished
and perfected for ever,
where thou wilt rejoice over me with joy.
There is no joy like the joy of heaven,
for in that state are no sad divisions,
unchristian quarrels,
contentions, evil designs,
weariness, hunger, cold,
sadness, sin, suffering,
persecutions, toils of duty.
O healthful place where none are sick!
O happy land where all are kings!
O holy assembly where all are priests!
How free a state where none are servants except to thee!
Bring me speedily to the land of joy.
“JOY” Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions. Page 292
 
https://youtu.be/wc7bO69Xuu4?si=kzsmqLyQILCViIYG
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 16, 2026 -- Day Sixteen of Joy: Galatians 5:22-24

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Galatians 5:22-24 ESV
 
Many of you know that I volunteer at a drug and alcohol recovery centre for men. The guys spend 24/7 together for nine months to a year. You guessed it. That is a place of wild emotions, of tumult, and chaos. They are introduced to Jesus, many of them for the very first time. The fruit of the Spirit is emphasized. When one of men becomes a Christian, he is a new creation in Jesus Christ. His whole demeanor changes. The way he interacts with others changes. He is no longer a slave to sin but has been set free to serve Jesus. Love and joy are early evidence of that full life that is given to anyone who now is in Christ.
 
Of course, when you know someone very well (as do the men in that recovery centre) their stressors and sore points, triggers and temptations, it is easy to poke away at one another. You know exactly what will set someone off. Baiting the bear so to speak. When that happens, the men have an expression for that. The one doing the baiting is called a “fruit tester”. Yup. You read that right. If the one tested rises to the bait, the fruit of the Spirit in him has been tested…and proves it isn’t ripe yet.
 
The point is, circumstances, the people around us, the dashed expectations which are common to all people allow the fruit of the Spirit to shine through. Christians have a treasure house of joy within them. They know they are loved by God the Father. Christians have a peace that passes understanding, allowing them to withstand the hardest fruit-testing, because Jesus is the rock of their salvation. Joy, even in difficult circumstances, is not elusive, but the abiding theme of the heart fixed on Jesus.
 
Lord Jesus Christ, I want to be different. Let Your Spirit change me so that the fruit of the Spirit ripens and matures in me. Let my life, words and actions, bring honour and glory to my Father in heaven. Glorious Jesus, cause Your holy love and heavenly joy grow in me, and be very evident to all who meet me. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/y3gWwGDGgVA?si=UfuD_cNv66ck8lAr
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 15, 2026 -- Day Fifteen of Joy -- Proverbs 10:27-29

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

27 The fear of the LORD prolongs life,
    but the years of the wicked will be short.
28 The hope of the righteous brings joy,
    but the expectation of the wicked will perish.
29 The way of the LORD is a stronghold to the blameless,
    but destruction to evildoers.
Proverbs 10:27-29 ESV
 
When you think of all the LORD has done, is doing, and will do for you in Christ, are you filled with joy? Or do you think how hard it is to serve Him? Do you groan inwardly at all the rules, the expectations and the self-denial? These three verses show the sharp contrast between the way of life and the way of death. Both of the ways are hard work. Wickedness is hard. It is expensive. It ultimately costs your life here on earth and robs you of eternal bliss. But the wicked are so blinded by their sin and ignorance that they can’t comprehend the true cost of their licentiousness.
 
Ah, but the way of the LORD prolongs life. It is a stronghold of protection for those who know all their sins are wholly covered in Christ. The way of the LORD is the pathway of exchanging the sure punishment of the agonies of hell for the glory, the bliss, and the gladness of knowing your creator. Living in fellowship with Jesus, the author and perfecter of all true believing, sculpts you for eternal bliss. And this by the power of the Holy Spirit Who will protect you from the lies of the enemy with the rock-solid truth of the Bible. No wonder the writer exclaims “the hope of the righteous brings joy”!
 
Father in heaven, stronghold of the blameless, prolonger of life blessed be Your Name now and forevermore.
Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life, blessed be Your Name, now and forevermore.
Spirit of the LORD, instructor in all truth, blessed be Your Name, now and forevermore.
Triune God, in You I find my rest and fullness of joy here, anticipating fullest, eternal joy.
Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/BppKOFLig2w?si=_ZYO5QefayITRcXQ
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 14, 2026 -- Day Fourteen of Joy -- Matthew 15:11-12

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:11-12 ESV
 
Today this passage is paired up with a beautiful prayer. It was written centuries ago and it is part of a collection of prayers (which I regularly quote) called the Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions. The reason it pairs so well with today’s reflection on joy is the prayer warrior is seeking to rejoice and be glad in the Lord, though he is facing trials and hardships.
 
O God of my delight,
 Thy throne of grace
is the pleasure ground of my soul.
Here I obtain mercy in time of need,
here see the smile of thy reconciled face,
here joy pleads the name of Jesus,
here I sharpen the sword of the Spirit,
anoint the shield of faith,
put on the helmet of salvation,
gather manna from thy Word,
am strengthened for each conflict,
nerved for the upward race,
empowered to conquer every foe;
Help me to come to Christ
as the fountain head of descending blessings,
as a wide open flood-gate of mercy.
I marvel at my insensate folly, that
with such enriching favours within my reach
I am slow to extend the hand to take them.
Have mercy upon my deadness for thy Name’s sake.
Quicken me, stir me, fill me with holy zeal.
Strengthen me that I may cling to thee and not let thee go.
May thy Spirit within me draw all blessings from thy hand.
When I advance not, I backslide.
Let me walk humbly because of good omitted and evil done.
Impress on my mind the shortness of time,
the work to be engaged in,
the account to be rendered,
the nearness of eternity,
the fearful sin of despising thy Spirit.
May I never forget that
thy eye always sees,
thy ear always hears,
thy recording hand always writes.
May I never give thee rest until Christ is
the pulse of my heart;
the spokesman of my lips,
the lamp of my feet.
The Valley of Vision, “The Throne”, page 272
 
https://youtu.be/igV63aKSqb8?si=ziBL_DlCQ5IdMWbz
 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.

October 13, 2026 -- Day Thirteen of Joy: Psalm 33:20-21

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Our soul waits for the LORD;
   He is our help and our shield.
For our heart is glad in Him,
   because we trust in His holy Name.
Psalm 33:20-21ESV
 
The man teared up, shrugging his shoulders to let me know he didn’t care that there were twenty-plus other men grabbing coffee at the end of the meeting who could see him. The worse part is, they didn’t notice him at all. That is what the point of his tears. He felt alone. By-passed. In a crowd no one would look at him. He was new to the prison. He’d come from a maximum institution, and the guys in the group were all more or less familiar with one another and had been together for a while.
 
Look again at the verse. Why is the Psalmist glad? Why is rejoicing the order of the day? Because the LORD is our help. When everyone is passing you by; He stopped. He stooped to your lowliness. He listened.
 
Why is the Psalmist glad? Because our waiting, lonely souls, have a shield. God is the protection of those who are defenseless. It is in His power now, or at the end of time, to right all wrongs.
 
We trust in His holy Name. The Name of the LORD refers to His character. It refers to His willingness to help. His Name is the gold standard—when He says He will do something; He does it and no force in all the galaxies can stop Him. No wonder that the Psalmist, inspired by the Holy Spirit, encourages believers through-out the generations to be glad in the LORD.
 
O LORD, my God, my soul waits for You. You have promised Abraham that You alone are His shield and very great reward. Through the unknown author of this psalm, You are repeating your promise. Now, as a New Testament Christian I know You have sent Jesus to be my help and my shield. Spirit of the Living God, seal these promises to my heart so that in sorrows as well as in times of joy, my trust in the LORD my God will increase. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/TxC16duiHvQ?si=QK4BTy7RvCop23ah

 

Copyright © 2026 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.